Comparison of Dexmedetomidine Plus Bupivacaine Versus Bupivacaine Alone for Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the peri-operative analgesic efficacy and quality of block by adding Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: Anesthesia Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan Pakistan, Jan to Jun 2019. Methodology: A total of 100 women aged 30-65 years, who were planned for abdominal hysterectomy due to benign causes, and having ASA) status I-II were included. The patients were divided into two equal groups. In Group-B, 12.5mg of 0.5% hyperbaric diluted in 3ml normal saline was administered for induction of spinal anaesthesia. In contrast, in Group-B+D, 10µg Dexmedetomidine and 12.5mg 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine diluted in 3ml normal saline were given. Time of sensory and motor block onset, total duration of the block, and analgesia were noted. Results: The mean time of sensory and motor onset was significantly lower in the Group-B+D. The total duration of sensory block was 181.6±31.6 minutes in Group-B versus 345.2±23.5 minutes in Group-B+D (p-value <0.001). The total duration of the motor block was 142.9±8.6mins in Group-B versus 314.2±8.9mins in Group-B+D (p-value <0.001). Total analgesia duration was 129.4±8.3mins in Group- B versus 263.8±13.7mins in Group-B+D (p-value <0.001). A total of 2.54±0.35mg of rescue analgesia were required in Group- B versus 1.42±0.51mg in Group-B+D (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The use of Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia shortens the onset and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor block and the total duration of analgesia.

Keywords

• Analgesia
• Dexmedetomidine
• Spinal Anesthesia